The invention of dual-flush toilets couldn’t come at a better time as these excellent pieces are highly water-conserving, thus saving bills and are good for the planet. Therefore, investing in these toilets is smart, but it would be best to be proficient in dual flush toilet troubleshooting.
Common problems with dual-flush toilets are clogging, noisy flushing, constantly running water, incomplete flush, double flushing, and leaking. Additionally, you should check for compatibility problems with plumbing and a weak flush.
Since dual flush toilets function differently than standard toilets, you must learn their common problems and how to solve them.
Dual Flush Toilet Troubleshooting (Problems & Fixes!)
| Problem | Possible Causes | Recommended Fixes | |
| 1. | Clogging | Flushing foreign objects Installing your toilet on a traditional plumbing system | Unclog with a plunger, auger, baking soda and vinegar, chemicals, or hot water and dish soap |
| 2. | Constant Running Water | Faulty flush valve or flapper Misaligned or damaged lift chain Excessively high tank water level Damaged fill valve or ballcock Mineral deposits or debris Worn-out toilet parts | Replace worn-out or damaged parts Adjust the water level Adjust the float arm or water level adjustment clip Clean the flush valve and flapper |
| 3. | Double Flushing | Insufficient water flow A damaged partial flush button A worn-out flush valve or flapper Blocked rim holes Low water level in the tank Inadequate toilet design. | Replace the flushing mechanism Remove any blockages in the trapway or waste pipe Adjust the float arm or water level adjustment clip Replace the flush valve or flapper Clean the rim holes |
| 4. | Tank Fills Slowly | Partially closed water supply valve Low water pressure Clogged water supply line Faulty fill valve The float is set too low Partially closed flush valve Insufficient venting | Open the valve Get a plumber to address pressure issues and insufficient venting Clean the supply line Get a new fill valve Raise the float level |
| 5. | Leaking | Wear and tear Loose connections | Tighten loose connections Replace worn-out parts |
| 6. | Noisy Flushing | Water hammer Loose parts Sediment buildup Worn-out parts High water pressure Obstruction in the trapway | Install water hammer arrestors or add cushioning devices Tighten or adjust loose parts Clean or replace the flush valve or fill valve Replace worn-out parts |
| 7. | Compatibility Problems With Plumbing | The plumbing system is incompatible with dual-flush toilets | Buy a different type of toilet |
1. Clogging
Although clogging can affect all toilet types, it is more common in dual-flush toilets, especially those connected to plumbing systems designed for single-flush toilets. Clogging can lead to incomplete flushing or make the water back up in your toilet bowl.
You can clog your toilet by flushing unflushable items like tampons and paper towels. Therefore, avoid flushing foreign items and use the right button to clear waste to lower the chances of clogging your toilet.
However, if your toilet gets clogged anyway, what should you do? Below are the fixes.
Fix
a) Plunger
The first and most common method to unclog a toilet is a plunger, so put yours to work. Ensure you have the right plunger- a toilet plunger with a flange.
b) Plumbing Snake/Auger
If plunging does not work, use an auger. This handy tool is particularly useful when removing clogs lodged deep into the drainage system.
c) Hot Water And Dish Soap
Boil a large pot of water and add a few tablespoons of dish soap, then pour the mixture into the toilet bowl from waist height. Combining soap and hot water helps break up the obstruction and let it flush away.
d) Baking Soda And Vinegar
Another natural method involves pouring baking soda (half a cup) into your toilet bowl, then one cup of vinegar. After the mixture sits in your toilet for a while, flush it.
e) Chemicals
Commercial drain cleaners like Drano can help unclog toilets. So, if you accidentally flush a tampon down the toilet, pour Drano or a similar chemical to clear it.
f) Check The Trapway
You may have an obstructed trapway if the clogs are persistent and severe. In such cases, remove the toilet and inspect or clear the trapway.
2. Constant Running Water
If you find your dual flush toilet constantly filling the tank or draining into the bowl, the water goes into the overflow tube, or the toilet system lets water through the flapper. This annoying problem stems from a faulty flush valve or flapper, a misaligned or damaged lift chain, and the water level in the tank being too high.
Other causes are a damaged fill valve or ballcock, mineral deposits or debris, and worn-out toilet parts. The flapper won’t seal correctly if the chain is damaged or misaligned, leading to water leakage.
Also, water will continuously trickle into the toilet bowl if the water level in the tank is set too high. Furthermore, mineral deposits or debris can accumulate around the flush valve or flapper, preventing a proper seal.
Fix
- Inspect the flush valve or flapper and replace it with a compatible one if damaged.
- Adjust the chain to the appropriate length with enough slack.
- Adjust the float arm or water level adjustment clip to lower the water level in the tank to the recommended level.
- Replace the fill valve if worn out.
- Clean the flush valve and flapper to remove any deposits or debris interfering with their proper function.
- Replace any other worn-out or damaged components.
3. Double Flushing
Does your dual-flush toilet require two flushes to clear the waste properly? Double flushing not only wastes water but also defeats the purpose of having a dual flush system.
The common causes of a double-flushing dual-flush toilet are insufficient water flow, a damaged partial flush button, and a worn-out flush valve or flapper. Blocked rim holes, low water level in the tank, and inadequate toilet design also cause it.
The partial flush option will not release enough water to clear the waste effectively if it is not working correctly. This might be because of a faulty button or lever mechanism.
Therefore, check if the button or lever is sticking or not going back to its original spot after being pressed.
Fix
- Replace the flushing mechanism if it’s not functioning properly.
- Remove any blockages in the trapway or waste pipe to ensure adequate water supply to the toilet.
- Adjust the float arm or water level adjustment clip.
- Replace the flush valve or flapper.
- Clean the rim holes thoroughly to improve water flow.
4. Tank Fills Slowly
To troubleshoot a slowly filling dual-flush toilet, check whether the water supply valve is partially closed, low water pressure, and debris in the water supply line. Moreover, the fill valve may be faulty, the float set too low, the flush valve partially closed, or inadequate venting.
Fix
- Turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to open it fully.
- Address the water pressure issues. Consider using a professional plumber or water utility provider.
- Clean the supply line.
- Replace the fill valve if it’s old or defective.
- Adjust the float arm or water level adjustment clip.
- Make sure the flush valve opens fully during the fill cycle.
- Get a plumber to assess and fix insufficient venting.
5. Leaking
Do not ignore a leaking toilet because if the problem persists, it will lead to water wastage and damage to your bathroom floor and surrounding areas. Since your dual-flush toilet can leak from any location, pinpointing the origin is key to fixing it.
The common areas are:
i) The Toilet Base
If water is pooling around the base of the toilet, the wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the flange is probably compromised or improperly installed.
ii) Tank-To-Bowl Connection
A leak between the toilet tank and bowl can result in water dripping onto the floor. Therefore, check the tank-to-bowl bolts, rubber gaskets, and tank-to-bowl gasket for signs of wear or damage.
ii) Flapper Or Flush Valve
If the flush valve or flapper isn’t sealing well, water will keep leaking into the toilet bowl. Inspect the flapper for any wear or debris and replace it if necessary.
iii) Fill Valve
A faulty fill valve can cause water to leak into the tank, leading to frequent refilling constantly.
iv) Overflow Tube
If the overflow tube is cracked or not working correctly, water may leak into the bowl or onto the floor.
v) Cracks or Damage
water will seep through cracks in your toilet, so inspect the bowl and tank for cracks or damage.
vi) Flushing Handle Or Buttons
Examine the seal on the flushing buttons because it can cause leaking if compromised.
Fix
- Replace the wax ring and reseat the toilet properly.
- Tighten the bolts if they are loose, and replace any damaged gaskets.
- Replace the flapper if worn-out and ensure it provides a tight seal when closed after flushing.
- Purchase a new fill valve.
- Replace the overflow tube.
- Replace the bowl, tank, or the whole piece.
- Buy and install a new flushing button.
6. Noisy Flushing
Check for water hammer, loose parts, sediment buildup, worn-out parts, high water pressure, and obstruction in the trapway if your dual-flush toilet is too noisy. An abrupt stoppage of water flow cause a shockwave through the plumbing pipes leading to a water hammer.
Fix
- Install water hammer arrestors or add cushioning devices to the water supply lines to absorb the pressure changes.
- Tighten or adjust loose parts.
- Inspect the flapper, fill valve, and other components for signs of wear and consider replacing them.
7. Compatibility Problems With Plumbing
Before buying a dual-flush toilet, check whether your plumbing system can accommodate it. This is especially crucial if you live in a complex or an older house, as their plumbing is often made for high-flush toilets.
A professional plumber can help you check your plumbing beforehand, keeping you from wasting money purchasing a dual-flush toilet if it won’t work in your home.
Choose a different type if your home cannot accommodate a dual-flush toilet. However, when shopping for a dual-flush toilet, consider Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez (View on Amazon). It’s one-piece, elongated, easy to clean, seamless, and has a soft closing seat.
Final Remarks on Dual Flush Toilet Troubleshooting
The benefits of dual-flush toilets outweigh the problems you might encounter. Another upside is that you can troubleshoot and fix these problems even without professional help.
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